Turmeric is the New Superfood

Of late, turmeric has taken on a cape-wearing, superpower-wielding level of notoriety. A bright yellow powder that comes from the ginger family, turmeric is often used in Indian or Asian cooking for coloring and added flavor. However, over the past several years, we have seen the additional talents of turmeric emerge in the popular media. Cultures that have used turmeric for thousands of years innately understand turmeric’s benefits. But now modern science is publishing concrete evidence of turmeric’s status as a new superfood. Dr. Josh Axe, in his article “Ten Turmeric Benefits,” refers to turmeric as “potentially the most powerful plant on the planet in its power to fight and reverse disease.”1 How can turmeric hold all of these abilities? To understand the potential health impact of turmeric we must start with a question: What is beneath that cape?

What are the components of turmeric? Turmeric is a bright aromatic powder that is obtained from the roots of the plant. Basic nutritional aspects of 100g of turmeric include 340 percent of the daily recommended intake of manganese and 517 percent of iron. It is also an excellent source of fiber, vitamin B6, potassium, vitamin C, and magnesium.2 However, the two key therapeutic components of Turmeric are turmerone and curcumin. It is the curcumin that gives turmeric its super-powers.

What are the healing properties of Turmeric? Turmeric has over 9,000 articles published on its healing properties. In several studies, turmeric has been shown to be even more effective than the pharmaceutical counterpart. The primary reason turmeric is garnering so much attention has everything to do with the anti-oxidative properties of turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin. Why is this important? Oxidative damage of cells causes everything from early aging to liver disease. In addition to being a powerful antioxidant, turmeric has many other attributes. Turmeric decreases inflammation in vessels, skin, and the intestinal tract. This lovely spice can also help regulate blood sugar levels. Turmeric has also been shown to regulate immune function. But, in my opinion, one of the most important functions of turmeric is its ability to kill off “bad cells.”3 If turmeric can zap nasty invader cells, as the data suggests, the extent of turmeric’s power could potentially be limitless.

What are the main conditions that turmeric can address? So now we know turmeric can have positive effects on body physiology – how does that power affect specific conditions? Good news – dozens of common pathologies respond to our superhero. Because of turmeric’s regulation over inflammation, arthritis and generalized joint swelling have shown significant decreases in symptomatology. Turmeric’s influence over blood glucose levels indicate conditions like diabetes and hypoglycemia may be well supported with the use of this vibrant spice. Turmeric’s impact on immune function translates into victorious combat when confronted with bacterial or viral infections. Liver issues, skin conditions, cholesterol regulation, and mood stabilization have also all been touched by the power of turmeric.4 (5) But the condition that I am most excited about turmeric having influence over is cancer. If turmeric has an impact on killing unwanted cells in the body, as we discovered above, guess what the most unwanted cell is in the body? Cancer. Cancer of the digestive system and breast cancer seem the most responsive to date, but research is ongoing and prolific.5 In the future, we will surely be seeing more conditions our superhero can overcome.

Creamy Turmeric Tea

1 cup almond or coconut milk

½ teaspoon turmeric

1 pinch of cayenne pepper

1 inch finely grated ginger root

1-2 teaspoons of raw honey

In a pan, warm the milk. Mix the other ingredients in a small bowl and add a little of the warmed milk to the bowl. Stir well. This is done so you can get rid of all the lumps and smooth out the mixture before adding it to the rest of the milk. Add the mixture to the rest of the milk and stir. If you choose to, you can strain before drinking.

Adapted from www.knowledgeweighsnothing.com Creamy Turmeric Tea.

Turmeric Salad Dressing

½ avocado

1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger

1 teaspoon turmeric

½ teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons raw honey

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

¼ cup olive or avocado oil

Put all ingredients in a blender and mix well. Keep any unused portion in the refrigerator for up to one week.

5. Pour into a dish and refrigerate for 2 hours, or until gelatin is firm and you can cut it into small portions with a knife.

6. Store in an airtight container. Will keep up to 7 days in the refrigerator.

Adapted from asquirrelinthekitchen.com Turmeric Gummies.

Turmeric Smoothie

1 Cup Hemp milk (or coconut milk)

½ Banana

¼ Avocado

½ Cup frozen tropical fruit

½ Teaspoon Turmeric powder

1 Tablespoon hemp seeds

½ Chunk of fresh ginger

½ Teaspoon cinnamon

1 Teaspoon Chia seeds

You can add a scoop of unflavored protein powder if you like for additional protein. Blend all ingredients really well.

Turmeric is the newest superfood that has the added benefit of being a delicious addition to both sweet and savory recipes. Get some turmeric powder and try these recipes, or start experimenting with your own!

Dr. Heather is a chiropractor who specializes in pediatrics and pregnancy. She has a certification in wellness chiropractic (CCWP), and is the author of The Three Day Reset, a totally doable food plan that anyone can do and see results. You can read her fitness and nutrition expertise at her blog WELLFITandFED.com.